The situation remains tense in Manipur as fresh violence broke out in the northeastern state on Saturday. During the wee hours of the day, the militants attacked a village in Jiribam district, an official said. The militants used sophisticated weapons and opened fire, targeting the village in the vicinity of the Borobekra police station around 5 am, he said. Furthermore, he added that they also charged bombs.
The official said that the CRPF and police personnel retaliated to the attack and a heavy exchange of fire started. He also stated that the additional security forces were being rushed to the spot as reinforcement. So far no casualties have been reported in the gunfight.
The violence broke out while the elderly people, women and children were being moved to safer places by security forces. The area, Borobekra, is located around 30 km from Jiribam town. It is surrounded by thick forests and a mountainous terrain.
Since the ethnic violence broke out in May last year, the area has witnessed several such attacks. this must also be noted that the violence came days after talks were held between MLAs of the warring Meitei and Kuki communities in New Delhi in a bid to hammer out a peaceful solution to the ongoing conflict.
Two militants arrested in Imphal East
Meanwhile, two militants were arrested in Manipur's Imphal East district, police said on Saturday. The individuals were arrested on Friday night from the Pureiromba Khongnangkhong area and identified as Mutum Inao Singh and Khwairakpam Rajen Singh of the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party (People's War Group), they said.
Meitei-Kuki leaders meet for first time
On October 15, around 20 MLAs belonging to the warring Meitei, Kuki and Naga communities of Manipur met in New Delhi for the first time since ethnic violence broke out in the state 17 months ago. Those who attended the meeting included state Assembly Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh, Tongbram Robindro, Th Basantakumar Singh from the Meitei side and Kuki MLAs Letpao Haokip and Nemcha Kipgen - both state ministers. From the Naga community MLAs Ram Muivah, Awangbow Newmai and L Dikho were also present.
(With PTI inputs)
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